Organisational or Societal Culture

From Tragedy to Shared Courage

From the Shadow of the Doorway, the tragic events that occured in the Westfield Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction, in New South Wales, Australia on Saturday 13 April 2024, are now widely known around the world.

"People who wear uniform, rush to danger".

Rather than discuss the events of yesterday's tragedy, this will focus on Organisational or Societal Culture.

Organisational culture and societal culture are both essential aspects of human interaction; however, they operate at different levels, nuances and have distinct characteristics. The character of the Australian Public, New South Wales Police (NSW) Officers and NSW First responders were on point yesterday. To quote the Australian Prime Minister: "People who wear uniform, rush to danger".

Organisational culture. Refers to the shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that characterise an organisation and guide its members' behaviour. It includes things like the organisation's mission and vision, its approach to decision-making, its communication style, and its treatment of employees and customers. Organisational culture can vary widely from one company to another and can have a significant impact on employees' job satisfaction, productivity, and overall success.

Societal culture. Subsequently, this refers to the broader set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and norms that characterise a society or community. It encompasses things like language, religion, family structure, social hierarchies, and cultural rituals. Societal culture influences how people interact with one another, how they perceive the world, and what they consider to be important or valuable. While societal culture can vary greatly from one country or region to another, it also evolves over time in response to social, economic, and political changes.

Influences. While organisational culture is often influenced by broader societal culture, it can also develop its own unique characteristics that may or may not align with the larger culture. For example, an organisation operating in a society that values hierarchy and authority may have a more hierarchical organisational structure, or it may consciously choose to adopt a more egalitarian approach to leadership and decision-making. Similarly, societal attitudes towards issues like diversity, inclusion, true blue mannerisms and environmental sustainability can influence the values and practices of organisations (individuals) operating within those societies.

Conclusion. Understanding both organisational and societal culture is essential for effectively navigating and managing relationships and interactions within and between organisations and communities. Organisations that are able to align their culture with the broader societal culture, while also maintaining their own unique identity and values, are often more successful, building strong relationships with individuals and stakeholders, and adapting to changing social and economic conditions.